Our year 2022 concluded with participation in the Automation Day event, organized by the Department of Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Computer Science at the University of Catania. The event aimed to promote the exchange of professional experiences, skills, and career opportunities between academia and industry.
In addition to presenting our activities, our colleague Giovanni Savoca Ruggeri shared with the students his professional journey, from being a student in the degree program in Automation Engineering and Control of Complex Systems to becoming a professional in the automotive field, with over 8 years of experience at our company.
We seized the chance to listen to his story.
Giovanni, you have been with Teoresi since 2014 and today you are the Business Manager and Account Manager for a major industrial client. Can you tell us about your background?
I graduated in Automation Engineering and Control of Complex Systems, a master’s degree in Automation Engineering at the University of Catania in July 2014. Shortly after, in September I joined Teoresi. I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge on the job right away: after performing testing activities on a car, I participated in the initial phase of a project to develop the infotainment interface for a major automotive customer.
I then continued as a Test Engineer, again in the mobility field, conducting testing activities on the powertrain and engine control of commercial vehicles for a large client. The customer soon recognized my management skills and involved me in project planning and coordination activities. This led to me becoming the Key Account for this client, and later I took an internal path within Teoresi that resulted in my current role as Business Manager.
To what extent did your course of study impact your career choices?
At the beginning of my career, I was able to apply the knowledge I gained during my university studies to real projects, developing and refining it as I gained experience. Even though I now hold a more managerial role, I still find that my technical skills are essential as they allow me to understand and effectively meet the needs of clients.
As a former student, what advice would you give to university students who want to pursue a career at a company like Teoresi?
My experience in both university and work has taught me about several important aspects that students should not overlook during their studies. Firstly, having an inquisitive mindset and actively seeking to acquire as many skills as possible through talking with professors and using the resources and materials provided by the university is crucial. Additionally, studying in groups is essential as it allows you to learn how to work in a team, just like in a large company. Lastly, cultivating sociability by interacting with other students, exchanging opinions, and sharing experiences outside of class: every occasion for sharing is important as it allows them to broaden their perspectives.
Do you remember something you learned during your undergraduate studies that was essential in your career choices?
If you are a recent graduate and you are interested in Giovanni’s experience, check out our open positions and submit your cv!